4.1. Therapeutic indications

Teriflunomide is indicated for the treatment of adult patients and paediatric patients aged 10 years and older with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) (please refer to section 5.1 for important information on the population for which efficacy has been established).

4.2. Posology and method of administration

The treatment should be initiated and supervised by a physician experienced in the management of multiple sclerosis.

Posology

Adults

In adults, the recommended dose of teriflunomide is 14 mg once daily.

Paediatric population (10 years and older)

In paediatric patients (10 years of age and above), the recommended dose is dependent on body weight:

- Paediatric patients with body weight >40 kg: 14 mg once daily.

- Paediatric patients with body weight ≤40 kg: 7 mg once daily.

Paediatric patients who reach a stable body weight above 40 kg should be switched to 14 mg once daily.

Film-coated tablets can be taken with or without food.

Special populations

Elderly population

Teriflunomide should be used with caution in patients aged 65 years and over due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy.

Renal impairment

No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild, moderate or severe renal impairment not undergoing dialysis.

Patients with severe renal impairment undergoing dialysis were not evaluated. Teriflunomide is contraindicated in this population (see section 4.3).

Hepatic impairment

No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild and moderate hepatic impairment. Teriflunomide is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see section 4.3).

Paediatric population (less than 10 years of age)

The safety and efficacy of teriflunomide in children aged below 10 years have not been established.

No data are available.

Method of administration

The film-coated tablets are for oral use. The tablets should be swallowed whole with some water.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C).

Pregnant women, or women of childbearing potential who are not using reliable contraception during treatment with teriflunomide and thereafter as long as its plasma levels are above 0.02 mg/l (see section 4.6).

Pregnancy must be excluded before start of treatment (see section 4.6).

Breast-feeding women (see section 4.6).

Patients with severe immunodeficiency states, e.g. acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Patients with significantly impaired bone marrow function or significant anaemia, leukopenia, neutropenia or thrombocytopenia.

Patients with severe active infection until resolution (see section 4.4).

Patients with severe renal impairment undergoing dialysis, because insufficient clinical experience is available in this patient group.

Patients with severe hypoproteinaemia, e.g. in nephrotic syndrome.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Monitoring

Before treatment

Before starting treatment with teriflunomide the following should be assessed:

• Blood pressure

• Alanine aminotransferase/serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (ALT/SGPT)

• Complete blood cell count including differential white blood cell and platelet count.

During treatment

During treatment with teriflunomide the following should be monitored:

• Blood pressure

˗ Check periodically

• Alanine aminotransferase/serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (ALT/SGPT)

˗ Liver enzymes should be assessed at least every four weeks during the first 6 months of treatment and regularly thereafter.

˗ Consider additional monitoring when teriflunomide is given in patients with pre-existing liver disorders, given with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs or as indicated by clinical signs and symptoms such as unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, or jaundice and/or dark urine. Liver enzymes should be assessed every two weeks during the first 6 months of treatment, and at least every 8 weeks thereafter for at least 2 years from initiation of treatment.

˗ For ALT (SGPT) elevations between 2- and 3-fold the upper limit of normal, monitoring must be performed weekly.

• Complete blood cell counts should be performed based on clinical signs and symptoms (e.g. infections) during treatment.

Accelerated elimination procedure

Teriflunomide is eliminated slowly from the plasma. Without an accelerated elimination procedure, it takes an average of 8 months to reach plasma concentrations less than 0.02 mg/l, although due to individual variation in substance clearance it may take up to 2 years. An accelerated elimination procedure can be used at any time after discontinuation of teriflunomide (see sections 4.6 and 5.2 for procedural details).

Hepatic effects

Elevations of liver enzymes have been observed in patients receiving teriflunomide (see section 4.8). These elevations occurred mostly within the first 6 months of treatment.

Cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) have been observed during treatment with teriflunomide, sometimes life-threatening. Most cases of DILI occurred with time to onset of several weeks or several months after treatment initiation of teriflunomide, but DILI can also occur with prolonged use.

The risk for liver enzyme increases and DILI with teriflunomide might be higher in patients with pre-existing liver disorder, concomitant treatment with other hepatotoxic drugs, and/or consumption of substantial quantities of alcohol. Patients should therefore be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of liver injury.

Teriflunomide therapy should be discontinued and accelerated elimination procedure considered if liver injury is suspected. If elevated liver enzymes (greater than 3-fold ULN) are confirmed, teriflunomide therapy should be discontinued

In case of treatment discontinuation, liver tests should be pursued until normalisation of transaminase levels.

Hypoproteinaemia

Since teriflunomide is highly protein bound and as the binding is dependent upon the concentrations of albumin, unbound plasma teriflunomide concentrations are expected to be increased in patients with hypoproteinaemia, e.g. in nephrotic syndrome. Teriflunomide should not be used in patients with conditions of severe hypoproteinaemia.

Blood pressure

Elevation of blood pressure may occur during treatment with teriflunomide (see section 4.8). Blood pressure must be checked before the start of teriflunomide treatment and periodically thereafter. Blood pressure elevation should be appropriately managed before and during treatment with teriflunomide.

Infections

Initiation of treatment with teriflunomide should be delayed in patients with severe active infection until resolution.

In placebo-controlled studies, no increase in serious infections was observed with teriflunomide (see section 4.8).

Cases of herpes virus infections, including oral herpes and herpes zoster, have been reported with teriflunomide (see section 4.8), with some of them being serious, including herpetic meningoencephalitis and herpes dissemination. They may occur at any time during treatment.

Based on the immunomodulatory effect of teriflunomide, if a patient develops any serious infection, suspending treatment with teriflunomide should be considered and the benefits and risks should be reassessed prior to re-initiation of therapy. Due to the prolonged half-life, accelerated elimination with cholestyramine or charcoal may be considered.

Patients receiving teriflunomide should be instructed to report symptoms of infections to a physician. Patients with active acute or chronic infections should not start treatment with teriflunomide until the infection(s) is resolved.

The safety of teriflunomide in individuals with latent tuberculosis infection is unknown, as tuberculosis screening was not systematically performed in clinical studies. Patients tested positive in tuberculosis screening should be treated by standard medical practice prior to therapy.

Respiratory reactions

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) as well as cases of pulmonary hypertension have been reported with teriflunomide in the postmarketing setting.

The risk might be increased in patients with a history of ILD.

ILD may occur acutely at any time during therapy with a variable clinical presentation.

ILD may be fatal. New onset or worsening pulmonary symptoms, such as persistent cough and dyspnoea, may be a reason for discontinuation of the therapy and for further investigation, as appropriate. If discontinuation of the medicinal product is necessary, initiation of an accelerated elimination procedure should be considered.

Haematological effects

A mean decrease less than 15% from baseline affecting white blood cell count has been observed (see section 4.8). As a precaution, a recent complete blood cell count, including differential white blood cell count and platelets, should be available before the initiation of treatment and the complete blood cell count should be assessed during therapy as indicated by clinical signs and symptoms (e.g., infections).

In patients with pre-existing anaemia, leukopenia, and /or thrombocytopenia as well as in patients with impaired bone marrow function or those at risk of bone marrow suppression, the risk of haematological disorders is increased. If such effects occur, the accelerated elimination procedure (see above) to reduce plasma levels of teriflunomide should be considered.

In cases of severe haematological reactions, including pancytopenia, teriflunomide and any concomitant myelosuppressive treatment must be discontinued and a teriflunomide accelerated elimination procedure should be considered.

Skin reactions

Cases of serious skin reactions, sometimes fatal including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eoseinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), have been reported with teriflunomide.

If skin and /or mucosal reactions (ulcerative stomatitis) are observed which raise the suspicion of severe generalised major skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis-Lyell's syndrome, or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms), teriflunomide and any other possibly associated treatment must be discontinued, and an accelerated procedure initiated immediately. In such cases patients should not be re-exposed to teriflunomide (see section 4.3).

New onset of psoriasis (including pustular psoriasis) and worsening of pre-existing psoriasis have been reported during the use of teriflunomide. Treatment withdrawal and initiation of an accelerated elimination procedure may be considered taking into account patient's disease and medical history.

Skin ulcers and impaired wound healing may potentially occur in patients during therapy with teriflunomide. If teriflunomide -associated skin ulcer is suspected, if skin ulcers persist despite appropriate therapy, or if there is a high risk for impaired wound healing after surgery, consider teriflunomide discontinuation and an accelerated drug elimination procedure. The decision to resume teriflunomide should be based on clinical judgment of adequate wound healing.

Peripheral neuropathy

Cases of peripheral neuropathy have been reported in patients receiving teriflunomide (see section 4.8). Most patients improved after discontinuation of teriflunomide. However, there was a wide variability in final outcome, i.e. in some patients the neuropathy resolved and some patients had persistent symptoms. If a patient taking teriflunomide develops a confirmed peripheral neuropathy, discontinuing teriflunomide therapy and performing the accelerated elimination procedure should be considered.

Vaccination

Two clinical studies have shown that vaccinations to inactivated neoantigen (first vaccination), or recall antigen (reexposure) were safe and effective during teriflunomide treatment. The use of live attenuated vaccines may carry a risk of infections and should therefore be avoided.

Immunosuppressive or immunomodulating therapies

As leflunomide is the parent compound of teriflunomide, co-administration of teriflunomide with leflunomide is not recommended.

Co-administration with antineoplastic or immunosuppressive therapies used for treatment of MS has not been evaluated. Safety studies, in which teriflunomide was concomitantly administered with interferon beta or with glatiramer acetate for up to one year did not reveal any specific safety concerns, but a higher adverse reaction rate as compared to teriflunomide monotherapy was observed. The long term safety of these combinations in the treatment of multiple sclerosis has not been established.

Switching to or from teriflunomide

Based on the clinical data related to concomitant administration of teriflunomide with interferon beta or with glatiramer acetate, no waiting period is required when initiating teriflunomide after interferon beta or glatiramer acetate or when starting interferon beta or glatiramer acetate, after teriflunomide.

Due to the long half-life of natalizumab, concomitant exposure, and thus concomitant immune effects, could occur for up to 2-3 months following discontinuation of natalizumab if teriflunomide was immediately started. Therefore, caution is required when switching patients from natalizumab to teriflunomide.

Based on the half-life of fingolimod, a 6-week interval without therapy is needed for clearance from the circulation and a 1 to 2 month period is needed for lymphocytes to return to normal range following discontinuation of fingolimod. Starting teriflunomide during this interval will result in concomitant exposure to fingolimod. This may lead to an additive effect on the immune system and caution is, therefore, indicated.

In MS patients, the median t1/2z was approximately 19 days after repeated doses of 14 mg. If a decision is made to stop treatment with teriflunomide, during the interval of 5 half-lives (approximately 3.5 months although may be longer in some patients), starting other therapies will result in concomitant exposure to teriflunomide. This may lead to an additive effect on the immune system and caution is, therefore, indicated.

Interference with determination of ionised calcium levels

The measurement of ionised calcium levels might show falsely decreased values under treatment with leflunomide and/or teriflunomide (the active metabolite of leflunomide) depending on the type of ionised calcium analyser used (e.g. blood gas analyser). Therefore, the plausibility of observed decreased ionised calcium levels needs to be questioned in patients under treatment with leflunomide or teriflunomide. In case of doubtful measurements, it is recommended to determine the total albumin adjusted serum calcium concentration.

Paediatric population

Pancreatitis

In the paediatric clinical trial, cases of pancreatitis, some acute, have been observed in patients receiving teriflunomide (see section 4.8). Clinical symptoms included abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting. Serum amylase and lipase were elevated in these patients. The time to onset ranged from a few months up to three years. Patients should be informed of the characteristic symptoms of pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, pancreatic enzymes and related laboratory parameters should be obtained. If pancreatitis is confirmed, teriflunomide should be discontinued and an accelerated elimination procedure should be initiated (see section 5.2).

Lactose

Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

Sodium

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially “sodium free”.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Pharmacokinetic interactions of other substances on teriflunomide

The primary biotransformation pathway for teriflunomide is hydrolysis, with oxidation being a minor pathway.

Potent cytochrome P450 (CYP) and transporter inducers

Co-administration of repeated doses (600 mg once daily for 22 days) of rifampicin (a CYP2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 3A inducer), as well as an inducer of the efflux transporters P-glycoprotein [P-gp] and breast cancer resistant protein [BCRP] with teriflunomide (70 mg single dose) resulted in an approximately 40% decrease in teriflunomide exposure. Rifampicin and other known potent CYP and transporter inducers such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and St John's Wort should be used with caution during the treatment with teriflunomide.

Cholestyramine or activated charcoal

It is recommended that patients receiving teriflunomide are not treated with cholestyramine or activated charcoal because this leads to a rapid and significant decrease in plasma concentration unless an accelerated elimination is desired. The mechanism is thought to be by interruption of enterohepatic recycling and/or gastrointestinal dialysis of teriflunomide.

Pharmacokinetic interactions of teriflunomide on other substances

Effect of teriflunomide on CYP2C8 substrate: repaglinide

There was an increase in mean repaglinide Cmax and AUC (1.7- and 2.4-fold, respectively), following repeated doses of teriflunomide, suggesting that teriflunomide is an inhibitor of CYP2C8 in vivo. Therefore, medicinal products metabolised by CYP2C8, such as repaglinide, paclitaxel, pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, should be used with caution during treatment with teriflunomide.

Effect of teriflunomide on oral contraceptives: 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel

There was an increase in mean ethinylestradiol Cmax and AUC0-24 (1.58- and 1.54-fold, respectively) and levonorgestrel Cmax and AUC0-24 (1.33- and 1.41-fold, respectively) following repeated doses of teriflunomide. While this interaction of teriflunomide is not expected to adversely impact the efficacy of oral contraceptives, it should be considered when selecting or adjusting oral contraceptive treatment used in combination with teriflunomide.

Effect of teriflunomide on CYP1A2 substrate: caffeine

Repeated doses of teriflunomide decreased mean Cmax and AUC of caffeine (CYP1A2 substrate) by 18% and 55%, respectively, suggesting that teriflunomide may be a weak inducer of CYP1A2 in vivo. Therefore, medicinal products metabolised by CYP1A2 (such as duloxetin, alosetron, theophylline and tizanidine) should be used with caution during treatment with teriflunomide, as it could lead to the reduction of the efficacy of these medicinal products.

Effect of teriflunomide on warfarin

Repeated doses of teriflunomide had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of S-warfarin, indicating that teriflunomide is not an inhibitor or an inducer of CYP2C9. However, a 25% decrease in peak international normalised ratio (INR) was observed when teriflunomide was coadministered with warfarin as compared with warfarin alone. Therefore, when warfarin is co-administered with teriflunomide, close INR follow-up and monitoring is recommended.

Effect of teriflunomide on organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3) substrates

There was an increase in mean cefaclor Cmax and AUC (1.43- and 1.54-fold, respectively), following repeated doses of teriflunomide, suggesting that teriflunomide is an inhibitor of OAT3 in vivo. Therefore, when teriflunomide is coadministered with substrates of OAT3, such as cefaclor, benzylpenicillin, ciprofloxacin, indomethacin, ketoprofen, furosemide, cimetidine, methotrexate, zidovudine, caution is recommended.

Effect of teriflunomide on BCRP and /or organic anion transporting polypeptide B1 and B3 (OATP1B1/B3) substrates

There was an increase in mean rosuvastatin Cmax and AUC (2.65- and 2.51-fold, respectively), following repeated doses of teriflunomide. However, there was no apparent impact of this increase in plasma rosuvastatin exposure on the HMG-CoA reductase activity. For rosuvastatin, a dose reduction by 50% is recommended for coadministration with teriflunomide. For other substrates of BCRP (e.g., methotrexate, topotecan, sulfasalazine, daunorubicin, doxorubicin) and the OATP family especially HMG-Co reductase inhibitors (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin, methotrexate, nateglinide, repaglinide, rifampicin) concomitant administration of teriflunomide should also be undertaken with caution. Patients should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of excessive exposure to the medicinal products and reduction of the dose of these medicinal products should be considered.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Use in males

The risk of male-mediated embryo-foetal toxicity through teriflunomide treatment is considered low (see section 5.3).

Pregnancy

There are limited amount of data from the use of teriflunomide in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

Teriflunomide may cause serious birth defects when administered during pregnancy. Teriflunomide is contraindicated in pregnancy (see section 4.3).

Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception during treatment and after treatment as long as teriflunomide plasma concentration is above 0.02 mg/l. During this period women should discuss any plans to stop or change contraception with the treating physician. Female children and/or parents/caregivers of female children should be informed about the need to contact the treating physician once the female child under teriflunomide treatment experiences menses. Counselling should be provided to the new patients of child-bearing potential about contraception and the potential risk to the foetus. Referral to a gynaecologist should be considered.

The patient must be advised that if there is any delay in onset of menses or any other reason to suspect pregnancy, they must discontinue teriflunomide and notify the physician immediately for pregnancy testing, and if positive, the physician and patient must discuss the risk to the pregnancy. It is possible that rapidly lowering the blood level of teriflunomide, by instituting the accelerated elimination procedure described below, at the first delay of menses, may decrease the risk to the foetus.

For women receiving teriflunomide treatment, who wish to become pregnant, the medicinal product should be stopped and an accelerated elimination procedure is recommended in order to more rapidly achieve concentration below 0.02 mg/l (see below).

If an accelerated elimination procedure is not used, teriflunomide plasma levels can be expected to be above 0.02 mg/l for an average of 8 months, however, in some patients it may take up to 2 years to reach plasma concentration below 0.02 mg/l. Therefore, teriflunomide plasma concentrations should be measured before a woman begins to attempt to become pregnant. Once the teriflunomide plasma concentration is determined to be below 0.02 mg/l, the plasma concentration must be determined again after an interval of at least 14 days.

If both plasma concentrations are below 0.02 mg/l, no risk to the foetus is to be expected.

For further information on the sample testing please contact the Marketing Authorisation Holder or its local representative (see section 7).

Accelerated elimination procedure

After stopping treatment with teriflunomide:

• cholestyramine 8 g is administered 3 times daily for a period of 11 days, or cholestyramine 4 g three times a day can be used, if cholestyramine 8 g three times a day is not well tolerated,

• alternatively, 50 g of activated powdered charcoal is administered every 12 hours for a period of 11 days.

However, also following either of the accelerated elimination procedures, verification by 2 separate tests at an interval of at least 14 days and a waiting period of one-and-a-half months between the first occurrence of a plasma concentration below 0.02 mg/l and fertilisation is required.

Both cholestyramine and activated powdered charcoal may influence the absorption of oestrogens and progestogens such that reliable contraception with oral contraceptives may not be guaranteed during the accelerated elimination procedure with cholestyramine or activated powdered charcoal. Use of alternative contraceptive methods is recommended.

Breast-feeding

Animal studies have shown excretion of teriflunomide in milk. Teriflunomide is contraindicated during breast-feeding (see section 4.3).

Fertility

Results of studies in animals have not shown an effect on fertility (see section 5.3). Although human data are lacking, no effect on male and female fertility is anticipated.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Teriflunomide has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

In the case of adverse reactions such as dizziness, which has been reported with leflunomide, the parent compound, the patient's ability to concentrate and to react properly may be impaired. In such cases, patients should refrain from driving and using machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The most frequently reported adverse reactions in the teriflunomide treated (7 mg and 14 mg) patients were: headache (17.8%, 15.7%), diarrhoea (13.1%, 13.6%) increased ALT (13%, 15%), nausea (8%, 10.7%), and alopecia (9.8%, 13.5%). In general, headache, diarrhoea, nausea and alopecia, were mild to moderate, transient and infrequently led to treatment discontinuation.

Teriflunomide is the main metabolite of leflunomide. The safety profile of leflunomide in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis may be pertinent when prescribing teriflunomide in MS patients.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Teriflunomide was evaluated in a total of 2,267 patients exposed to teriflunomide (1,155 on teriflunomide 7 mg and 1,112 on teriflunomide 14 mg) once daily for a median duration of about 672 days in four placebo-controlled studies (1,045 and 1,002 patients for teriflunomide 7 mg and 14 mg, respectively) and one active comparator study (110 patients in each of the teriflunomide treatment groups) in adult patients with relapsing forms of MS (Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis, RMS).

Listed below are the adverse reactions reported with teriflunomide in placebo-controlled studies in adult patients, reported for teriflunomide 7 mg or 14 mg from clinical studies in adult patients. Frequencies were defined using the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are ranked in order of decreasing seriousness.

System organ class

Very common

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Very rare

Not known

Infections and infestations

Influenza, Upper respiratory tract infection, Urinary tract infection, Bronchitis, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis, Cystitis, Gastroenteritis viral, Tooth infection, Laryngitis, Tinea pedis, Herpes virus infectionsb

Severe infections including sepsisa

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Neutropeniab, Anaemia

Mild thrombocytopenia (platelets <100G/l)

Immune system disorders

Mild allergic reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions (immediate or delayed) including anaphylaxis and angioedema

Psychiatric disorders

Anxiety

Nervous system disorders

Headache

Paraesthesia, Sciatica, Carpal tunnel syndrome

Hyperaesthesia, Neuralgia, Peripheral neuropathy

Cardiac disorders

Palpitations

Vascular disorders

Hypertensionb

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Interstitial lung disease

Pulmonary hypertension

Gastrointestinal disorders

Diarrhoea, Nausea

Pancreatitisb,c, Abdominal pain upper, Vomiting, Toothache

Stomatitis

Colitis

Hepatobiliary disorders

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increaseb

Gamma- glutamyltransferase (GGT) increaseb, Aspartate aminotransferase increaseb

Acute hepatitis

Drug- induced liver injury (DILI)

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Dyslipidaemia

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Alopecia

Rash, Acne

Nail disorders, Psoriasis (including pustular)a,b Severe skin reactionsa

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Musculoskeletal pain, Myalgia, Arthralgia

Renal and urinary disorders

Pollakiuria

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Menorrhagia

General disorders and administration site conditions

Pain, Astheniaa

Investigations

Weight decrease, Neutrophil count decreaseb, White blood cell count decreaseb, Blood creatine phosphokinase increased

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications

Post-traumatic pain

a: please refer to the detailed description section

b: see section 4.4

c: frequency is “common” in children based on a controlled clinical study in paediatrics; frequency is “uncommon” in adults

Description of selected adverse reactions

Alopecia

Alopecia was reported as hair thinning, decreased hair density, hair loss, associated or not with hair texture change, in 13.9% of patients treated with 14 mg teriflunomide versus 5.1% in patients treated with placebo. Most cases were described as diffuse or generalised over the scalp (no complete hair loss reported) and occurred most often during the first 6 months and with resolution in 121 of 139 (87.1%) patients treated with teriflunomide 14 mg. Discontinuation because of alopecia was 1.3% in the teriflunomide 14 mg teriflunomide group, versus 0.1% in the placebo group.

Hepatic effects

During placebo-controlled studies in adult patients the following was detected:

ALT increase (based on laboratory data) according to baseline status - Safety population in placebo- controlled studies

Placebo (N=997)

Teriflunomide 14 mg (N=1002)

>3 ULN

66/994 (6.6%)

80/999 (8.0%)

>5 ULN

37/994 (3.7%)

31/999 (3.1%)

>10 ULN

16/994 (1.6%)

9/999 (0.9%)

>20 ULN

4/994 (0.4%)

3/999 (0.3%)

ALT >3 ULN and TBILI >2 ULN

5/994 (0.5%)

3/999 (0.3%)

Mild increases in transaminase, ALT below or equal to 3-fold ULN were more frequently seen in teriflunomide-treated groups as compared to placebo. The frequency of elevations above 3-fold ULN and higher was balanced across treatment groups. These elevations in transaminase occurred mostly within the first 6 months of treatment and were reversible after treatment cessation. The recovery time varied between months and years.

Blood pressure effects

In placebo-controlled studies in adult patients the following was established:

- systolic blood pressure was >140 mm Hg in 19.9% of patients receiving 14 mg/day teriflunomide as compared to 15.5% receiving placebo;

- systolic blood pressure was >160 mm Hg in 3.8% of patients receiving 14 mg/day teriflunomide as compared to 2.0% receiving placebo;

- diastolic blood pressure was >90 mm Hg in 21.4% of patients receiving 14 mg/day teriflunomide as compared to 13.6% receiving placebo.

Infections

In placebo-controlled studies in adult patients, no increase in serious infections was observed with teriflunomide 14 mg (2.7%) as compared to placebo (2.2%). Serious opportunistic infections occurred in 0.2% of each group. Severe infections including sepsis, sometimes fatal have been reported postmarketing.

Haematological effects

A mean decrease affecting white blood cell (WBC) count (<15% from baseline levels, mainly neutrophil and lymphocytes decrease) was observed in placebo-controlled trials with teriflunomide in adult patients, although a greater decrease was observed in some patients. The decrease in mean count from baseline occurred during the first 6 weeks then stabilised over time while on-treatment but at decreased levels (less than a 15% decrease from baseline). The effect on red blood cell (RBC) (<2%) and platelet counts (<10%) was less pronounced.

Peripheral neuropathy

In placebo-controlled studies in adult patients, peripheral neuropathy, including both polyneuropathy and mononeuropathy (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome), was reported more frequently in patients taking teriflunomide than in patients taking placebo. In the pivotal, placebo-controlled studies, the incidence of peripheral neuropathy confirmed by nerve conduction studies was 1.9% (17 patients out of 898) on 14 mg of teriflunomide, compared with 0.4% (4 patients out of 898) on placebo. Treatment was discontinued in 5 patients with peripheral neuropathy on teriflunomide 14 mg. Recovery following treatment discontinuation was reported in 4 of these patients.

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl. cysts and polyps)

There does not appear to be an increased risk of malignancy with teriflunomide in the clinical trial experience. The risk of malignancy, particularly lymphoproliferative disorders, is increased with use of some other agents that affect the immune system (class effect).

Severe skin reactions

Cases of severe skin reactions have been reported with teriflunomide post-marketing (see section 4.4).

Asthenia

In placebo-controlled studies in adult patients, frequencies for asthenia were 2.0%, 1.6% and 2.2% in the placebo, teriflunomide 7 mg and teriflunomide 14 mg group, respectively.

Psoriasis

In placebo-controlled studies, frequencies for psoriasis were 0.3%, 0.3% and 0.4% in the placebo, teriflunomide 7 mg and teriflunomide 14 mg group, respectively.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Pancreatitis has been reported infrequently in the post-marketing setting with teriflunomide in adults, including cases of necrotising pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocyst. Pancreatic events may occur at any time during treatment with teriflunomide, which may lead to hospitalisation and/or require corrective treatment.

Paediatric population

The observed safety profile in paediatric patients (from 10 to 17 years-old) receiving teriflunomide daily was overall similar to that seen in adult patients. However, in the paediatric study (166 patients: 109 in the teriflunomide group and 57 in the placebo group), cases of pancreatitis were reported in 1.8% (2/109) of the teriflunomide-treated patients compared to none in the placebo group, in the double-blind phase. One of these events led to hospitalisation and required corrective treatment. In paediatric patients treated with teriflunomide in the open-label phase of the study, 2 additional cases of pancreatitis (one was reported as a serious event, the other was a nonserious event of mild intensity) and one case of serious acute pancreatitis (with pseudo-papilloma), were reported. In two of these 3 patients, pancreatitis led to hospitalisation. Clinical symptoms included abdominal pain, nausea and/ or vomiting and serum amylase and lipase were elevated in these patients. All patients recovered after treatment discontinuation and accelerated elimination procedure (see section 4.4) and corrective treatment.

The following adverse reactions were more frequently reported in the paediatric population than in the adult population:

• Alopecia was reported in 22.0% of patients treated with teriflunomide versus 12.3% in patients treated with placebo.

• Infections were reported in 66.1% of patients treated with teriflunomide versus 45.6% in patients treated with placebo. Among them, nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infections were more frequently reported with teriflunomide.

• CPK increase was reported in 5.5% of patients treated with teriflunomide versus 0% in patients treated with placebo. The majority of the cases were associated with documented physical exercise.

• Paraesthesia was reported in 11.0% of patients treated with teriflunomide versus 1.8% in patients treated with placebo.

• Abdominal pain was reported in 11.0% of patients treated with teriflunomide versus 1.8% in patients treated with placebo.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Symptoms

There is no experience regarding teriflunomide overdose or intoxication in humans. Teriflunomide 70 mg daily was administered up to 14 days in healthy subjects. The adverse reactions were consistent with the safety profile for teriflunomide in MS patients.

Management

In the event of relevant overdose or toxicity, cholestyramine or activated charcoal is recommended to accelerate elimination. The recommended elimination procedure is cholestyramine 8 g three times a day for 11 days. If this is not well tolerated, cholestyramine 4 g three times a day for 11 days can be used. Alternatively, when cholestyramine is not available, activated charcoal 50 g twice a day for 11 days may also be used. In addition, if required for tolerability reasons, administration of cholestyramine or activated charcoal does not need to occur on consecutive days (see section 5.2).